Meet the Therapists

Lauren Bardach, MSW, LCSW

Founder of Impact Health,

lauren@impacthealthnj.com

Lauren is the founder of Impact Health, LLC and a licensed clinical social worker who graduated from Drew University and went on to pursue sales and marketing roles to help individuals with diabetes manage their health. After a career move from the medical device world, Lauren re-shifted her focus back to her undergraduate roots of her sociology education and subsequently pursued a masters of social work at Rutgers university. She was trained primarily in inpatient and outpatient mental health facilities assisting clients with a myriad of clinical presentations. This training and experience reinforced her skills of crisis management, practicing empathy, actively listening to her clients and working concurrently to help minimize symptoms through evidence based treatment.

Lauren is very comfortable working with clients who have experienced loss, grief, depression, anxiety, stress, compulsions, body image concerns, relationship issues, and self esteem concerns. She has worked abundantly with women who have experienced life changes, chronic anxiety, difficulties parenting and working, pregnancy loss, motivational concerns, and cultivating self love. She has a significant amount of training in trauma and utilizing meditation, mindfulness and emotional regulation tools to help clients be the best versions of themselves. Ultimately, her goal is to provide active feedback and to help clients reach their goals.

Lastly, Lauren manages and owns the entire Impact Health, LLC practice. Feel free to reach out to her with any concerns or feedback. She prides herself on all feedback being helpful.

Modalities: CBT, DBT, Rogerian, psychodynamic, Trauma focused

Please call for Lauren’s availability: 973-404-0014

Edward W. Edwards, M. Div., MSW, LCSW

Clinical Supervisor of Impact Health, LLC

edward@impacthealthnj.com

Edward is presently a licensed clinical social worker with a broad range of work experience in mental health counseling. He obtained his first graduate degree, a Master’s of Divinity at the Catholic Theological Union. He went on to obtain a Master’s of Social Work at Yeshiva University. He has worked within diverse environments and populations which has provided him with 17 years of clinical counseling experience and 25 years of pastoral counseling experience. He has worked for the Gay Mens Crisis Center in NYC and an outpatient mental health facility where he manages and coordinates agency referrals and the placement of individuals within mental health services. Additionally, he has been providing counseling services in a private practice setting for over 17 years.

He considers his style client center and guided by Rogerian theory. He also utilizes CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). He has worked with clients aged 17- geriatric from individuals to couples. He has helped clients with motivational concerns, depression, anxiety, job stress, life stress, LGBTQ issues, and interpersonal issues.

Edward has 17 years of continuing education courses, (over 700 hours) that guide his practice and keep him current. Additionally, he is a clinical supervisor that has provided training to many Masters of Social Work students and licensed social workers working towards completing their hours for advanced licensure. He is a current member of the National Association of Social Workers.

Rakky Isaac MSW, LCSW

rakky@impacthealthnj.com

I have a Master’s degree in Social Work which I obtained in 1996. Additionally, I am licensed in clinical social work in the state of New Jersey. I believe in ongoing training and education in order to keep informed of current research, theory and techniques that can guide me to ensure quality service to my clients.

I’ve spent my entire career working with the mentally ill in a psychiatric hospital setting. I’ve worked with adults, youth, children and their families, assisting them to gain insight into their problems and improve their coping skills. This has been a rewarding experience for me over the years. Together we can work towards a solution that will give you insight and relief.

Even though our lives seem to be in constant motion, very little of that motion actually moves us forward. We cling to beliefs that may no longer serve us. We all need to explore those issues that have an impact on our mental health and daily functioning. I believe that in a supportive confidential environment, all individuals can be empowered to see through their difficulties. I will encourage you to visualize your ideal life and then work towards that vision.

I also have experience working with individuals with depression, generalized anxiety, phobias, panic disorder, grief, trauma, people seeking personal growth, relationship issues, adjustment disorders, low self-esteem. My therapeutic approach is based in values of collaboration, mutual respect and compassion. However, I draw influences from a variety of theoretical models such as family systems, psychodynamics, cognitive behavioral, play therapy etc.

Jill D. Worrall, MSW, LSW

jill@impacthealthnj.com

Seeking help can often be overwhelming. This journey, however, is one that should be celebrated and one based on a relationship. The person must be someone willing to walk with you in a way that is trusting and respectful. These are attributes I strive to maintain in my day-to- day life.

Over the past 15 years I have worked in the behavioral health sector. As each person is unique, I take a holistic approach in understanding the individual , as well as understanding areas they identify as their focus. My passion is to help a person go from a life of uncertainty to one that is rooted in the strengths of what they can achieve.

I am a licensed social worker and a member of the National Association of Social Workers. I have experience working with children, youth, adults, and families. Specifically, I have experience with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, stress management, parenting, life transitions, career counseling, and relationships.

Medina Colaku, MA, LAC, NCC

medina@impacthealthnj.com

Medina Colaku is a holistic psychotherapist that incorporates spirituality, mindfulness and positive psychology into her practice. Medina is passionate in helping others discover how to be their best, authentic selves. At Impact Health, she works with individuals, couples, families, and groups dealing with a variety of life transition and mental health challenges.

Medina is dedicated to empowering people of all ages to learn effective strategies to enhance wellbeing from the inside out. Medina’s approach is to mobilize a client’s strengths and previous successes to address the current life challenges at hand. She does this with a sense of warmth and engagement, and connects easily with many different kinds of people.

Inspired by the wisdom of ancient western traditions and modern science, Medina is committed to helping diverse people manage the constant stress, distraction and disconnection of modern life. Medina can help you harness your inner resources of calm, clarity and compassion. No matter what your lifestyle or belief system, Medina can help you develop positive, transformative qualities using research-based strategies.

Medina is a Licensed Associate Counselor who earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Hartford and her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Medina is also board certified by the National Board for Certified Counselors.

Luli (Maria) Passet, MA, NCC

Clinical Mental Health Counselor

luli@impacthealthnj.com

Luli is a national board certified counselor, and holds a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Fairleigh Dickinson University. She has worked in different settings with adolescents and adults, including outpatient and intensive/partial hospitalization programs, providing individual and family counseling, as well as facilitating psychoeducational and therapeutic groups.

An Argentine native, Luli is bilingual in English and Spanish, and has a solid understanding of multicultural aspects of immigration and acculturation in the USA. Luli is genuine, caring, and has a strong ability to establish trust and rapport with clients. By creating a safe and supportive environment, she helps clients learn more about themselves, better understand their thought processes and motivations, and how these impact their feelings, behaviors, and interactions with others. Luli believes in the power of a collaborative counseling relationship, and uses multiple therapeutic approaches, based on each client’s individual needs, to help them identify treatment goals, and develop positive change and healthy coping skills for life.

Luli’s professional affiliations include the American Counseling Association, Chi Sigma Iota International Counseling Honor Society, and the National Board of Certified Counselors.